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23 January 2015

Guest post: How author Ebony Williams defines success as a writer

The guest post series about success as a writer continues today with a contribution by radio personality and author Ebony Williams.

"It’s not about how many words are on a page, or how lengthy your book is, or whether you’ve put out tens to hundreds of books...." So then how does Ebony, who is on the verge of self-publishing her third novel, define success for herself as a writer? Read on to find out.

I wrote my first book when I was six. My mother found it the other day and was talking to me about it, laughing about the subject and hand drawn illustrations. It was about 30-35 pages, but for a six year old that’s not bad. I slowly started to fall in love with poetry, the art of making it rhyme and then not rhyming brought on a new sense of creativity for me.

I’m in the middle of self-publishing my third novel. My first two have been self published also and are still doing fairly well. All my written works can be viewed on my website. I took the route of self-publishing because I fully believe in what I write. I knew people would buy what I have to say and enjoy it. After three years of self-publishing my first novel I still receive royalty checks, so that lets me know my work is still wanted. I am on the hunt for an agent, but it’s hard to find one who believes in your work just as much as you do. So while I’m still on the hunt for a literary agent, I will continue to self publish my novels because I know people enjoy my writing.

I think being successful as a writer is personal. It’s how you view yourself. Most people can’t put together a novel and make it make sense. Some people can’t think in that way to create this piece of art. I feel whole heartedly that I am successful as a writer. I have a nice following of people who believe in all that I do. They contact me on Facebook, Twitter and even Instagram, asking about my next projects. So to have people I don’t know personally believe in me and what I’m trying to achieve is my vision of being a successful writer. It’s not about how many words are on a page, or how lengthy your book is, or whether you’ve put out tens to hundreds of books; to me it’s about making a connection with your audience.

I don’t think my view on being successful will change overnight. Besides a writer I’m also a radio personality and have been for almost eight years. I’m only 25 - about to be 26 - and I have a LONG road in both industries of writing and radio. I know the work it takes to make it to another level, and I feel like I’m already winning just because I’m trying and will never give up on my goals. I’m truly happy with where I’m at, and I know that God is about to launch me into something I never dreamed of. Even when I reach another level, I will always remember the importance of my audience. As long as those who believe in me love what I come out with, I know I’ll continue to be happy, and to me, happiness is success.

1 comment:

My face.

I don't know how to make it smaller.

About

Sione Aeschliman, LLC provides high-quality editing and coaching services at fair rates to support emerging and established writers in achieving their writing and publishing goals. You can email me at sioneaeschliman (at) gmail (dot) com or use the Contact Form below.